New Beginning

Epilogue: A New Reign

Everyone in The Theatre fell silent as Sungjae and Sooyoung entered upon the announcement of their arrival. The Theatre was specifically built for Sungjae's coronation as a 2nd layer advisor. Shaped like a dome mirroring an ancient amphitheater, it could house 15,000 in the audience, with the VIP seats carved in marble to represent Ancient Greek thrones. After the announcement that Sungjae would be crowned as an advisor, his status was elevated to one that was equal to his previous title of a King. As Sooyoung was his partner, she received immediate power since no one would dare to anger the new advisor.

Dressed in an all-black suit with green serpent embroidery and sporting a neat, short haircut, Sungjae walked in with his shoulders squared. His eyes glanced up at his audience whose jaws dropped when they met his gaze. Gone was the Fallen King and in his place was the confident, arrogant yet skilled Underworld Royal who commanded the attention of every room he walked into. And he was back and stronger than ever. His face was rid of any remnants of the bruises he had suffered and with some makeup that Sooyoung had forced on him, he looked flawless and invincible - just as how a God should look like.

Choi Soojung gave an appreciative smile to his former mentee as Sungjae stepped onto the platform where the Choi brothers stood. Choi Minsoo gave him a tight lipped smile. He was still upset that his mentee, Woo Dohwan, had been killed by Sungjae in battle.

"Everyone, I am very pleased to announce that Yook Sungjae will be taking up the final spot as an advisor." Soojung paused as he waited for the applause to dim. "Yook Sungjae has been trained by many of us Elders from the 1st and 3rd layer, commanding our respect for his passion and knowledge in both layers. The Korean Underworld Council has decided that this would be the best way for him to atone for his past mistakes and we are thankful to him for accepting our offer."

Choi Soojung passed the time to Sungjae.

As Sungjae cleared his throat before his speech, 15,000 spectators waited with bated breaths. "To everyone here, I first wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to return to the Underworld. Although no longer a King, I wish to assure you that I will do my utmost best in molding future Kings and Queens of our Underworld and ensure its survival." He gestured towards the spectators. "To all my past mentors from the different layers, everything you have taught me has culminated into my advisory role and I will never forget the lessons you have imparted to me." Sungjae's voice rang loud and clear from the ground, piercing into the hearts of every audience. "To existing gang members, the other advisors and I will oversee the operations until we have prepared heirs to become Gods. We may be late to appoint a Lord of the Underworld, but we will do so when we can ensure that our Lord is truly invincible."

Sooyoung clapped proudly as she stood up in the VIP section. Since Sungjae had become an advisor, she could no longer be the Queen of the Siberian Tigers and had to take a backseat. Wearing an all white dress and towering stilettos, she continued to show her loyalty to her Tigers' present in The Theatre. However, she was exceptionally proud of Sungjae. Although both of them matched closely in skills regarding the 3rd layer, his training as a supposed 1st layer heir set him up on a higher pedestal. He was truly fit to be an advisor.

As everyone clapped at the end of Sungjae's speech, his eyes found Sooyoung's. Without needing to convey a smile, his eyes told her everything he needed to say to her at that moment. 'Thank you and I love you.'

"I love you too," she mouthed back at him, earning a nod from him in return.

——

"I can't believe we're finally going to Paris!" Sooyoung exclaimed as she jumped in her seat.

Being an advisor meant that Sungjae had control over his bank accounts again, including his private airplane. They were on their way to Paris to meet with the French Underworld advisors. As a new advisor, Sungjae was required to meet with the other advisors around the world. They had met with those in the US and were on their way to meet with the French and the Mafia in Italy before concluding their journey with the Yukata in Japan.